Make Up Beauty Tips

One of the things I love about gifting with beauty is it truly is a gift that keeps on giving.  And each time the recipient uses that item, it reminds them of the one who gave it.  I find that's especially true when the giver takes the likes and desires of the recipient in mind.  What I mean by that, for instance, is if your mom has been complaining about itchy, dry, rough skin on her upper arms and you know she also enjoys citrus, a verbena scented body scrub would make such a special gift. Right? Of course, right.

With that in mind, here are a few products I can recommend to you for gifting, each with its own special properties.


POMEGA5 ROSE SYSTEM
Have a mom who loves flowers, perhaps even the traditional and lovely fragrance of roses?  I promise you, you cannot go wrong with Pomega5's Rose System.  Readers already know Pomega5 is one of my absolute most favorite skincare brand out there.  Based on using the highly coveted pomegranate seed oil, this is a family run company that takes time to create high quality, gorgeous, effective products, often receiving inspiration for their products from their extensive home garden.  There's not been a single item I've been even the slightest bit disappointed in. Everything I've tried I've loved, cherished and delighted in. Each product contains its very own special properties and each smells so delicious you can't wait to use them. I truly believe in this brand!

While 60% of us buy flowers for our moms every year, this year we can give her roses through the sure-to-make-her-feel-good Rose System that’s actually good for her. Pomega5’s Rose System makes you feel calm and refreshed, and the pure, organic ingredients will help regenerate skin to its youthful and bright complexion. Available exclusively direct from Pomega5.  $135 for the set.



AMALA HYDRATE SPA VALISE
Amala Hydrate Spa Valise Set replenishes and sustains skin'­s moisture level with organic Egyptian Jasmine, renowned for its nourishing, smoothing and antioxidant benefits for skin. Amala's certified organic Jasmine is cultivated and custom distilled in Egypt by their own fair trade farm partner.  Your skin feels so refreshed, soothed and pampered. This is the gift of responsible, results-driven skincare. Rich in organic whole plants, the conveniently packaged, proven-effective treatments beautify the skin and benefit the earth.  Eco-luxe organic hemp and woven paper valise.  Available at Spirit Beauty Lounge.   $102 for the set.



ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY D.I.Y. FACIAL RITUAL GIFT SET
Offering innovative prescriptive skincare, Elemental Herbology products address the changes that occur in the skin as a result of seasonal, lifestyle and hormonal change. Formulated to help restore equilibrium, the brand is committed to helping their customers achieve healthy and radiant skin. They are performance focused, yielding that ‘feel good factor’, their products combine clinically-tested bio-actives with over one hundred unique plant, mineral and marine extracts and pure delicately scented flower oils.

This is the perfect introduction kit to give you a wonderful discovery of this fabulous skincare brand. Love, love, love Elemental Herbology.  I can't believe this kit is only $55.  Available at Beauty Bar.



CLARISONIC MIA
If your mom doesn't own a Clarisonic yet, this is the p-e-r-f-e-c-t occasion to treat her to one. From the Clarisonic family of sonic skin-cleansing products, the one-button, one-speed, one-minute Mia is perfect for those wanting a convenient, less costly (from the traditional Clarisonic system), yet effective way to cleanse while traveling--or anytime. This award-winning waterproof, rechargeable, professional-caliber brush uses gentle sonic micro-massage action to cleanse deeply. It works so well, it helps other skin-care products absorb better. It cleans pores--loosening dirt, makeup, and oil as it reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles. It's proven to remove six times more makeup than traditional superficial cleansing, allowing serums and moisturizers to absorb better. Skin is left soft, pampered, radiant, and younger-looking--without harsh abrasion or chemicals. It's so gentle, you can use it twice a day.

Clarisonic Mia Systems retail between $124 - $150 and are available worldwide.  I recommend purchasing from b-glowing (looove them! great customer service and they include fabulous samples) and QVC (sometimes available with easy pay options).


JABONERIA MARIANELLA SOAPS
Handmade soaps, each with its own distinctive artistic flair and a childhood memory attached.  That's what Venezuelan-born Marianella Febres-Cordero has created with her gorgeous and luxurious line of soaps.  This is one of my very favorite places to shop when I have a gift to buy!  Each bar smells luscious and creates such a beautiful focal point, wherever you place it.  You just can't help but be transported to another place and time through the stories Marianella tells for each soap inspiration. Each bar is infused with its own special essential and fragrance oils. It's a sensual experience through and through. Truly lovely!


Jaboneria Marianella bars (there's a men's line too) are available directly through them. $14


THIS WORKS "CRACKERS"
I love these ... and so unique. Love Lip Cracker contains a nourishing preservative-free balm that's been designed to melt at body temperature so it is easily absorbed into skin. With a rich formula packed with the earth's most moisturizing ingredients and an exotic blend of Monoi Oil, Rose Oil and Cocoa Butter, the balm hydrates lips, soothes and protects skin. Peace Eye Cracker contains a lovely little eye serum/cream that has garnered rave reviews for dark circle reduction and improvement in lines and undereye bags. The soothing blend of serum brightens and refreshes eyes using a fusion of regenerating and moisturizing glycerin, arnica, aloe vera and cucumber. Both are available at Beautyhabit. $14 each.


TALLULAH JANE NATURAL PERFUMES
Blended with botanical essences, resins and balsams, Tallulah Jane scents are an ever-evolving olfactory experience. No two vintages are exactly alike so your Tallulah Jane scent is always unique; designed my nature - especially for you. Tallulah, their signature scent, is the most fabulous jasmine scent I've ever tried. Creamy jasmine notes and heady tuberose combine for a scent that is timeless yet so ultra cool! And be on the look out soon for a feature on their newest creation, Hope. I can't wait to tell you more about it and the company's generous collaboration with the American Cancer Society for their Pink & Black Tie Gala. Tallulah Jane perfumes are available at Spirit Beauty Lounge. $48 - $58


LOVE + TOAST and TOKYO MILK CURIOSITIES
Such whimsical packaging, gorgeous formulas and sweet, decadent aromas are yours with a little purchase of Love + Toast or Tokyo Milk products. They feature an assortment of perfumes, soaps, lip balms and hand creams that are unlike any you've tried before. Experience scent combinations like mandarin tea, honey coconut, lemon mint, citrus gin blossom, or tantalize with a sophisticated blend of fresh greens, cassis, white iris and bronzed musk crushed and distilled to perfection. Love + Toast and Tokyo Milk and Tokyo Milk Dark are by beauty entrepreneur Margot Elena Wells, who also brought us Lollia. Her natural beauty line will be released soon, nectar + pollen - can't wait! Love + Toast and Tokyo Milk products are available at b-glowing and Beautyhabit. $6 - $28


Candles & Home Fragrance
Continue the heavenly scents experience for mom with a beautifully packaged candle or unique home fragrance idea.  Nothing warms the mood of a room or the essence of a soul quite like the candlelight.

AEDES DE VENUSTAS GLOW BOX
Presented in their signature black Aedes gift box the Glow Box contains their popular Lime Coconut Sea Salt Exfoliator, Claus Porto's Tuberose soap and a L'Artisan Parfumeur votive candle.  Available at Aedes. $80


L'ARTISAN PARFUMEUR PARIS VOTIVES COFFRETS
The exclusive and limited edition gift coffret contains three L'Artisan Parfumeur votives.  Les Best is composed of Orangers en Fleurs, Intérieur Figuier and Mûre Sauvage; Les Orientales is composed of Ambre, Thé et Pain d’Epices and Ile Bourbon. Available at Aedes. $60 (each set)

SLATKIN & CO.
Flower Shop is a delightful scent of fresh-cut spring flowers - sweet lilac, pink freesia and hyacinth layered with cooling greens.  This 14.5 oz, 3-wick candle has a burn life of 40 - 65 hours and is available at Bath & Body Works. Fresh Bamboo is another fabulous scent - very clean smelling. Special Sale Price: 2 candles for $30 any assortment of scents (reg. $19.95 each).

AVENUE CANDLE COLLECTION
Years of traversing the globe searching for extraordinary fragrances is the inspiration for Avenue Candle Collection; each unique candle brings the characteristics and mood of some of the most famous streets in Avenue's favorite cities into our homes.  Avenue's Regent Street highlights notes of Earl Grey Tea and Violet.  Bergamot Citrus and Black Tea leaves are married with a hint of honey and neroli for a deeply rich fragrance.  Available  at LAFCO New York. Burn time: 75 - 85 hours.  $48


SANTA MARIA NOVELLA SCENTED TABLETS
Here's a divinely unique idea.  Santa Maria Novella Scented Tablets are 100% organic and natural essential oils mixed with beeswax from the fertile Tuscan fields and bee farms of Santa Maria Novella. Too beautiful to be hidden, tablets can be placed in drawers, hung in closets (ribbon is already attached) or simply left out in the open on a tray to freshen and scent the surrounding space. Tablets are completely safe and organic and will not stain clothing or fabrics, however wax will become malleable at very high room temperatures (85+ degrees F).  Lavender and rose oils, lavender blossoms and rose buds for a fresh romantic scent. Available at LAFCO New York, and also available in the scents of Orange/Cinnamon and Potpourri. $30

Wishing you and your mothers a most fabulous Mother's Day weekend!  xo

Cards and wrapping available at Redstamp.com

Having a tough time figuring out what to give Dad for Father's Day?  Treat him to a new scent that suits his personality.


The Tough, Courageous Dad
If dad is the man who always takes a stand, celebrate his bravery with a daring, classic scent. Inspired by visionary artists, icons and rebels who overcome adversity and make their mark, Diesel Only The Brave is a fragrance about making an impact. The scent represents the qualities of the brave, symbolized by a fist that tells several stories: facing forward, the fist evokes power and energy; upright, it stands for self-affirmation; raised, it signifies victory, success and engagement. The powerful, provocative scent blends lemon blossom, mandarin, amber and ebony wood for a fresh fragrance that dad will love. 50ml EDT, $55; 2.5oz EDT, $67.50  Available at Diesel boutiques, Diesel-fragrances.com, Macy’s, Dillard’s and other major department stores.
Know a dad with a love of comic books or a fan of Iron Man films? Celebrate his superhero bravery with a Diesel limited-edition Iron Man version for the comic book loving dad!

The Confident, Fashion-Forward Dad
If dad is constantly updating his look, give him the ultimate accessory. A bold new scent, Express Honor captures downtown edge and big-city cool with one spritz. A watery, fresh and aromatic scent, Honor blends energizing top notes of fresh water accord, peppermint and basil, leading to a heart of grapefruit, fig and green ivy. The smoldering fragrance dries down to a base of musk, vetiver and a hint of vanilla. The fragrance is housed in an edgy, flask-shaped silver bottle which is emblazoned with Express’s signature lion logo.  50ml EDT, $44.90; 100ml EDT, $59.90 Available at Express.com and Express stores nationwide
 
The Art Lover and Pop Culture Enthusiast
If Dad is a patron of the arts, give him a fragrance worth collecting. Inspired by legendary artist Andy Warhol’s summer forays to Montauk, Long Island, Bond No. 9 Andy Warhol Montauk marks the fifth in Bond No. 9’s series of Warhol collectible eaux de parfum. Not your typical summer fragrance, Bond No. 9 Andy Warhol Montauk takes a new approach to the genre of beach scent: It riffs on the duality of country and city, rural and urban. The fresh and tangy initial flavors of blueberry and wild bergamot give way, first to sultry, sexy hyacinth, lily of the valley, and honeysuckle, and then to rich, clean forest-by-the-sea aromas—silver maple, red oak, driftwood, and amber. Choose from 2 bottle designs, each displaying two of Warhol’s iconic Sunset paintings dating from 1972, truly making this fragrance a piece of art. Bond No. 9 Andy Warhol Montauk makes its timely arrival on-counter in June, just in time for Father’s Day.
50ml, $145; 100ml, $220. Available at Bondno9.com
The Old-School Allure of The Gentlemen's Club Dad
Sacré Coeur (sacred heart) by perfumer Laurent Bruyère for the line Ego Facto gives the classic citrus-leather accord a new twist with an original and utterly unexpected Chablis accord. The tart, fruity-flinty aroma spills over an aromatic herbal blend before seeping into a rugged patchouli, tobacco and leather base. Think old-style gentlemen’s club – cool wine, a whiff of Havana from the humidor, a deep leather chair and the comfortably musty smell of old books – perked up with a dash of humor. Intoxicating.
50ml, $90. Available at Luckyscent.com

The Dad That Exudes the Heroism of a Greek God
The lucid composition of Peloponnesian Eau de Parfum by Strange Invisible Perfumes is built with the ancient perfumes of the Greek peninsula. Salted Aegean winds glide through the branches of cypress, lime, and orange trees, lifting their epic aromas into the Peloponnesian mountains. A reception of mountain sage honey collects each gallant perfume as it rises from the vineyard-patterned earth of the Peloponnesos. Strange Invisible Perfume's first exclusively male eau de parfum exhilirates and renews with its dry down of fresh botanical musk. 50ml $160. Available at siperfumes.com and Beautyhabit.com

The Nature Lover and Organic Devote'
Honoré des Prés Chaman’s Party is an explosive unisex fragrance with aphrodisiac properties. Inspired by a tree-house experience and total immersion in the heart of the virgin Amazon forest. Intended for those who know, be they women or men, how to breathe in the earth’s strength. Vetiver root from Haiti, sacred basil from Egypt, Wood of Life from Venezuela, dried clove flowers from Madagascar.
100ml $145. Available at SpiritBeautyLounge.com

Happy shopping, lovelies! xo

Natural. Beautiful. Flawless. That's what we've come to know and love about BECCA Cosmetics.

Rebecca Morrice Williams, founder of BECCA, started her career as a make-up artist in Perth, Western Australia. Frustrated by her own inability to find the 'perfect foundation' that would look natural, conceal blemishes, feel weightless on the skin and stay fresh all day she set out to create it herself. The result is the ultimate range of skin-perfecting products that make it possible for ALL women to experience the pleasure of a flawless and radiant complexion.

Through her passion and persistence, Rebecca has developed a range of cosmetics that has delighted the most demanding make-up artists of the world, excited the most respected beauty editors and met the needs of the busy modern woman. BECCA's Luminous Skin Colour Foundation was the first product I tried from the brand, and I fell in love instantly.  For the first time I could actually wear a number of the shades in the offerings, rather than just one of a brand's shade options or try to make a color work for my skin. Even better, the texture and formulation of the foundation is beautiful.

Enabling ALL women, regardless of age or ethnicity, to achieve a natural looking, flawless complexion is the bedrock of the BECCA philosophy.  What I love best about this brand is that her products are user-friendly and multitasking.  Lip products can be used to create a perfect flushed cheek, cheek products create a softened, natural pout, foundations as concealers, it goes on and on.
 
Where better than niche Beautyhabit to find and purchase your BECCA Cosmetics favorites (or find a new love you've not tried before)?  Just perusing the pages online at Beautyhabit makes it a unique and altogether pleasurable shopping experience.  And through TODAY (or when products run out), you can score a complimentary BECCA Jewel Dust Shimmering Eye Powder in Laila ($24 value) with your BECCA purchase of $75 or more; use code: BECCA at checkout.  It ends today, 4/10/10, so be quick.

SPIRIT BEAUTY LOUNGE - where gorgeousness with an eco flair reigns in abundance



BEAUTYHABIT - where gifts of luxury are always found in delicious varieties



B-GLOWING - where independent brands reign supreme and little gifts of lusciousness draw a crowd



Shop Spirit Beauty Lounge, Beautyhabit and b-glowing for more fantastic gifting options!

Beautyhabit celebrates the season of vacations a la francais.

Celebrate summertime with these new Beautyhabit favorites and enjoy a fun sampler gift filled with chic, luxurious treasures all your own (details at bottom).

a. Des Filles a la Vanille Vanilla Girls Eau de Parfum $85 - fragranced with vanilla, orange and musc. The epitome of Parisian chic, des Filles a la Vanille has just introduced six new parfums, including Vanilla Girls, each carrying romantic names and tender messages. These fragrances are recognized for their special quality inspiring dreams of the South of France any beyond. I adore des Filles a la Vanille; their Toi ... Mon Ange EDT remains to this day one of my all-time favorite vanilla fragrances.

b. Crazylibellule and the Poppies Josephine Jonquille Solid Perfume $16 - a green floral Jasmine-Jonquil, sun-kissed with Tiaré flowers and sublimated with tangy Ginger coated in Dark Chocolate. Desirable in the extreme. The Garçonne masculine feel of ‘Joséphine Jonquille’ is expressed with Dark Chocolate. Fascinating and spirited… extremely desirable.

c. Paul & Joe Beaute Waterproof mascara in Black $24 - New! Keep lashes soft and supple with this waterproof formulation – Lashes look naturally beautiful without the stiff sensation often accompanied by waterproof mascara. Soft-curl polymers keep lashes feathery and light for a superior sultry blend. Quick-dry powder prevents clumping and allows for fast-drying beautiful lashes.

d. Diptyque Paris Santal Candle $60 - Reminiscent of India's spice markets. The exotic & earthy scent of sandalwood and its sacred woodsy notes.

e. Les parfums de Rosine Rose Praline $95 - Top notes of Cardamom, Italian bergamot and rose oil blend with heart notes of géranium, chocolate powder, rose absolue and Lapsang Souchong tea. Finishes on a base of amber, sandalwood, cacao and white musk.

f. Cinq Mondes Encens Aromatique Atlas, Morroco $32 - There are 5 Arômes et Couleurs associations that are based on the principle of the five elements of Chinese medicine. This incense brings together the power of essential oils and that of colors for a personalized sensation of well-being.To meet an energy need for Plenitude, Vitality and Strength Ingredients: Orange Blossom and Leaf Essential Oils.

g. Miss Ferling Kiss Me Sweet Mona Lip Balm $15 - Beat the wind, cold rain and sun with this glamorous pearly balm, a promise of sweet violet-scented kisses. With its retro look, delicious violet-scented aroma, lovely flowers and a hint of silver sparkles, this product sublimates the smile. Kiss me sweet Mona acts as an essential daily lip care. With its ultra natural formula which has the power to revitalize, soften and protect, it fights cracks, irritations and damaged lips.

h. Nuxe Touche Prodigieuse Complexion Multi-Perfecting Retouch Brush $30 - In one easy and precise step, Touche Prodigieuse acts simultaneously as a corrector that promises a flawless complexion, a radiance booster that illuminates the skin and a concealer that reduces dark circles and lights up the eyes.




Receive a seven-piece deluxe French beauty sampler filled with chic and luxurious product samples with your online Beautyhabit purchase of $50 or more. Offer expires 7/27/09.

Sensual, exotic and sultry!

Created by artisanal perfumer Marc-Antoine Corticchiato, Cuir Ottoman, is inspired by the erotism and the mystery of the East, their Ottoman hammams, and is a leather perfume of extraordinary delight, forceful, elegant and extremely sensual. The powerful impact of the leather is softened by a bright and sweet orris note and ornamented beautifully by jasmine, herbs and incense. The scent, which is slightly animalic (only slightly though), resinous and warm, does evoke the Ottoman splendor and sensuality. Mysterious, alluring, soft yet full of character, Cuir Ottoman is sweetly smouldering and decidely smooth.

Cuir Ottoman may be worn by both men and women. After getting out a warm shower last night and stepping into a cold room, I decided it was the perfect scent to warm me up. Indeed it was. Cystus, vanilla and tonka bean add sweetness to the fragrance while incense intoxicates, albeit subtly, with an element of smokiness. It's a gorgeous fragrance, soothing to the soul yet exciting in its breadth.


Cuir Ottoman by Parfum d'Empire is available in bottles of 50 ml ($75) and 100 ml ($110 - $125, depending where bought) and may be purchased at Luckyscent and Beautyhabit. It's among one of the top leather scents sold at both stores.

The quintessential Valentine's Gift - a little luxury for your pucker!

A lover of all things exfoliation, Sara Happ’s bathroom was well-stocked with scrubs. “I love the feeling of seriously smooth skin, the way you glow from head to toe after sloughing off dead cells. Heaven,” she says. Missing from her collection was any such product for her lips. She went to her (rarely used) kitchen and got to work. Months later, her sugar-based recipes were perfected. She mixed batches of product the way most people bake cookies, labeling and filling each jar by hand, tying each box with her signature white bow. Today, the line can be found at over 400 luxury boutiques worldwide.




Let me tell you, this product is brilliant! Sara Happ Lip Scrub is a luxury for the senses in more than just touch. Yes, your lips will be incredibly smooth, soft and supple. But there's more. The scents and flavors of these scrubs are just as heavenly as the results - decadent even. Eliminates dry, flaky skin to leave lips ridiculously soft - comes in the scent of: Cocoa (the one I have - mmmm, rich dark cocoa, just the smell of it gives away its quality essence), Cinnamon Sugar, Brown Sugar, Vanilla Bean, Almond Crème and Peppermint. ($24 - 1 oz jar) - these are nice sizes for a product of this kind.

Now, onto her newest delight - The Lip Slip. A balm like no other, the lip slip leaves no color, just the richest, glossiest hydration imaginable. Infused with Sweet Almond, Jojoba & Macadamia Nut Oils. Wear it all day. Wear it overnight. Results are immediate. This is not a waxy feeling balm, it's more a luscious, creamy gel with the properties of a high-end gloss. Sara's inspiration for the lip slip: The supple feel of a shimmery gold YSL calfskin bag. A bottle of Coco Chanel Mademoiselle. Your favorite camisole; soft, sweet, nude, girly and grand. ($24 - 1 oz jar)

There's just something sweet and special about receiving a gift wrapped in a little box with a bow. You know there's going to be something wonderful inside. Sara Happ lip products exceed expectation. You don't have to have a partner to enjoy kissable, healthy lips! You'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Find Sara Happ Lip Scrub and Lip Slip at b-glowing, Beautyhabit and Luckyscent.